Chapter Text
It was an ordinary Monday morning when Jhoanna Robles, a 22-year-old multimedia arts student, walked into the world of her dreams. She had secured an internship at AV Productions, a big-name media company that managed the most influential names in the P-pop industry. Sure, she had spent the last few weeks making sure her resume was perfect, her portfolio was pristine, and her nerves were, well, as calm as possible. But standing here, in the heart of the company, with the realization slowly dawning that this was it, Jhoanna couldn’t believe her own eyes.
This was it. She was finally here.
Her mind was doing cartwheels. Every wall in the lobby was adorned with photographs of iconic pop stars—each one seemed like a direct link to everything Jhoanna had ever dreamed about. The pop legends she had grown up listening to. The artists who made her believe in the power of music. She could practically feel the glitter of fame and success in the air.
And then—bam—a voice broke through her starry-eyed haze.
"Jhoanna Robles?"
Jhoanna spun around, so quickly that her backpack nearly swung into a nearby vase. "Y-yes!" she blurted, clapping her hands together in an exaggerated, slightly awkward fashion. Was she too eager? Too... unchill?
A woman in a sleek black outfit—her hair styled in a polished bob—was standing at the reception desk. She was as cool as the other side of the pillow, a force of nature in her own right. "I’m Gwen Apuli, I am a talent manager. I’ll be showing you around today," Gwen said, her tone warm, yet efficient.
Jhoanna’s brain stopped for a beat.
Wait… this is Gwen Apuli…. Maloi's manager. Of course she knows everything about Maloi.
It hit her all at once—Maloi. Maloi Ricalde. The pop sensation. The queen of P-pop. The living embodiment of sunshine in music. The woman whose songs had gotten her through college, family drama, and even the really awkward moments of her life (like this one, standing in front of Gwen Apuli and totally flustered).
"Wow, um, yes! Of course, let’s go!" Jhoanna managed, practically jogging to keep up with Gwen, who had already started walking briskly down the corridor. Jhoanna’s mind was still processing the fact that she might run into the one person she had only seen on billboards, TV, and social media. Maloi.
Gwen led Jhoanna through the hallways of AV Productions—everything sleek, polished, and glowing with success. There were framed photos on the walls of music video stills, award shows, and a general aura of glamour that seemed almost impossible.
Jhoanna’s heart rate picked up again as they neared a door. Gwen stopped and knocked softly before opening it, revealing what Jhoanna could only describe as the ultimate creative space. The room was large, filled with comfortable couches, a grand piano in one corner, a desk with piles of papers, and, finally, there she was.
Maloi.
Jhoanna's stomach flipped.
Maloi wasn’t the glammed-up superstar she expected. Instead, she was sitting at a desk in a relaxed yellow hoodie, hair tied up in a casual ponytail, looking every bit like a human being rather than a god of pop. She was scrolling through her phone when she looked up and caught Jhoanna's eye.
"Oh, hi!" Maloi greeted, standing up. Her smile was bright—too bright, almost as if she were trying extra hard to hide something. Jhoanna couldn’t quite place it, but there was a strange shyness in her eyes that wasn’t quite like the fierce, unstoppable Maloi that Jhoanna had seen on stage. Still, Maloi was Maloi—the Maloi. And Jhoanna was still standing there in awe.
Don’t faint. Don’t faint. Just breathe.
"Hi!" Jhoanna managed to squeak out. "It’s so amazing to meet you. I’m like, such a huge fan! I’ve listened to your music for years. Your songs have been my go-to for everything! I’m so excited to work here—I can’t even believe this is real!"
Maloi laughed, her cheeks turning pink, but there was something almost endearingly shy about her. She didn’t seem used to being fangirled over one-on-one. "Thank you! That’s so nice of you to say," Maloi replied, looking at her hands for a second before meeting Jhoanna’s gaze. "I’m happy to have you here."
Jhoanna could barely believe it. She’s happy to have me here? Maloi, the woman whose music made her feel seen, who could fill Araneta with just a few notes—was happy to have Jhoanna here. She still couldn’t process it. Her heart was doing somersaults in her chest, and she wasn’t sure whether she was about to pass out from excitement or say something so embarrassing that she’d never be allowed back at AV Productions again.
“I—uh, wow,” Jhoanna stammered. “I’m just really excited. I’ve always wanted to be part of a team like this, you know? Like, in the industry. And getting to see how things work behind the scenes! I’m ready to help with whatever you need! I can do coffee runs, photocopies, name it!”
It was at this moment that Gwen let out a quiet chuckle from the doorway. “Alright, alright. No need to jump in headfirst, Jhoanna. We’re just getting started. You’ll have plenty to do, but no one’s asked you to run coffee errands.”
Jhoanna’s face turned deep red. “I—uh—I think I’d be fetching coffee, but... y’know... I was just thinking, being an intern means, like, the usual intern stuff, right?” Jhoanna gestured vaguely, her voice trailing off. “You know, running to get coffee, photocopying papers... the normal stuff?”
Maloi blinked, clearly a little taken aback by Jhoanna’s eager willingness to do anything. "Oh, well... I don’t really drink coffee," she said, her voice a little quieter now, a slight blush creeping up her neck. "I’m more of a matcha person, actually."
Jhoanna, oblivious to how her eagerness might be a bit much, immediately perked up. “Matcha! Right! Yes! Matcha, I can do that! I read somewhere that interns usually get drinks for people, so I thought maybe... if you wanted one? I could grab a matcha for you?”
How can I forget that Maloi doesn’t drink coffee?!
Gwen, who had been holding back her laughter, finally lost it. “Oh my god,” she said, shaking her head. “Jhoanna, no one’s asking you to run coffee errands. Trust me, that’s not why you’re here.”
“Yeah,” Colet, the Creative Director, who was seated behind a desk in the corner, chimed in with a grin. “Here at AV Productions, interns actually learn something. No coffee-fetching for you.”
Jhoanna, in full on "I’m an intern and I’m ready to work!" mode, still insisted. “But—I’m sure it’s no problem! I don’t mind doing it, really. I just want to be helpful!”
Maloi chuckled, a little nervously, her hands fiddling with the sleeves of her hoodie. “I mean, matcha would be nice, but you really don’t have to. We’re here to produce music, not run a food delivery service.”
“But—I want to do something!” Jhoanna said, her voice rising with a touch of desperation. “I’ll get it for you! It’s no trouble!”
“Alright,” Gwen said, with a wink, “if you’re that eager, go get that matcha. Just don’t make it your entire internship. Deal?”
Jhoanna beamed, completely unaware that her overzealousness had turned her into the punchline of the moment. “Deal!”
As she walked out of the room, her heart still racing and her cheeks flushed from embarrassment, she couldn’t help but grin to herself. Matcha was her first task—who would’ve thought? Maybe it wasn’t glamorous, but it was a start.
Jhoanna walked back to the office with the matcha in hand, feeling a strange mix of excitement and nervousness. The matcha wasn’t just matcha; it was the first official thing she’d done as an intern at AV Productions. And sure, it might have been a little ridiculous that she was running around fetching drinks on her first day, but she was going to do it right. She had never wanted to disappoint anyone, and certainly not the person whose music had gotten her through high school.
She was practically skipping down the hallway, matcha cup securely held in both hands, imagining all the ways she could redeem herself after the coffee debacle. Maybe Maloi would open up to her, share some creative process tips, or even invite her to write for the next album (okay, maybe that was a bit too optimistic). Still, the dream was alive.
When Jhoanna opened the door to the office, she was met with a surprisingly quiet scene. Maloi was sitting at her desk, now with a notebook open in front of her, scribbling something furiously. Gwen and Colet were busy talking nearby, but when they saw Jhoanna enter, they both raised an eyebrow, clearly amused at her return.
"Got the matcha, I see," Gwen commented with a small grin.
Jhoanna, with a dramatic flourish, handed the matcha cup to Maloi. "Matcha, as promised. Perfect temperature, no lumps, just how you like it. I—I mean, I hope it's how you like it!" she added quickly, flustered.
Maloi blinked, then took the matcha with a bright smile. "Thanks, Jhoanna," she said, her voice soft but grateful. "You’re the best."
Jhoanna’s heart skipped a beat at the compliment. She was already imagining this to be the moment when Maloi would tell her her dream job had just begun, that she was going to be the next big creative collaborator on Maloi's next track. Si delulu naman 'to.
But instead, Maloi took a sip of the matcha and made a slight face. "This... actually tastes a little too sweet for me," she said, almost apologetically. "I usually like it a bit more earthy."
Jhoanna froze. Oh no.
Gwen, standing nearby, let out a snicker. "Okay lang 'yan, Jho I think it’s safe to say you’ll be learning a lot about matcha, too." She turned to Maloi with a playful grin. "If she’s this excited about matcha, I can’t wait to see what happens when she has to learn the whole production process."
Colet rolled her eyes but chuckled. "Wag mong pansinin ‘yang si Gwen, pinag-titripan ka lang niyan."
Jhoanna’s cheeks burned red, but she didn’t let that get to her. "I’ll definitely get it right next time," she said, determination in her voice. "Promise."
Maloi, still holding the matcha cup, gave her a soft smile. "Kumalma ka, wala ‘yun," she reassured, trying to ease the awkwardness.
Then Colet spoke up, her tone shifting into something more businesslike. "Actually, Jhoanna, now that you’re here, there’s something I’d like to ask."
Jhoanna’s ears perked up. "Yes? What is it? Anything! I’m ready!"
Colet glanced at Maloi, who was still sipping her matcha, looking deep in thought, and then back at Jhoanna. "I was hoping you could stay with Maloi today. She’s been in a bit of a creative brainrot for her comeback song. We think you could be a helpful presence."
Jhoanna blinked, her mind racing. "Wait, you mean... I’m going to be working with Miss Maloi? Like, the whole day?"
Colet nodded. "Yep, for today, you’re her personal assistant. Whatever she needs, you’re on it. I’m sure you’ll be a great help. You can try and get her to loosen up. Sometimes she just needs someone to talk to."
Jhoanna’s brain did a double-take. Was this happening? She—Jhoanna—was going to spend the whole day with Maloi Ricalde? The Maloi Ricalde? The one who could make millions swoon with just one song?
"Of course!" Jhoanna said, way too eagerly. "I’m—uh—I’m here to help in any way I can!"
Gwen gave her a sympathetic smile. "Just be patient with her, okay? She’s going through a creative block. But don’t worry, you’re in good hands. Just keep her company and try to help her think outside the box. You’ll be fine." She patted Jhoanna on the shoulder, and the gesture almost made her pass out from sheer joy.
Meanwhile, Maloi hadn’t said much, but she was clearly deep in thought, her fingers drumming on the desk. Jhoanna couldn’t help but notice how different Maloi seemed today. Usually, Maloi was the kind of person who filled up a room with her infectious energy, cracking jokes and lighting up any space she entered. But today, she seemed... quiet. Detached. Her bright eyes were dimmed, and she was staring at a notebook as if it were a puzzle that she couldn’t quite figure out.
Jhoanna wanted to help, she really did, but she wasn’t sure where to start. She had dreamed of working with Maloi, but not like this—not with Maloi looking so lost and frustrated. Still, Jhoanna wasn’t about to give up on her chance to make an impression.
"Uhm," Jhoanna started, fiddling with the hem of her shirt nervously, "I was thinking, maybe... you could tell me what your process is like? I mean, your songs are, like, amazing, and I’d love to understand how you get from the first idea to the finished product. Maybe it’ll help you think of new angles for your comeback song?"
Maloi looked up at her with a small, slightly tired smile. "You really want to know?" she asked, the weariness in her voice softening for a moment.
"Of course!" Jhoanna said, her excitement reigniting. "I’ve always wondered how someone like you—someone with so many hits—gets into the zone. How do you write a song? What inspires you?"
Maloi sighed softly, setting the matcha cup down on the desk. "Well, right now, I’m just... stuck. I have this idea for a song. It’s supposed to be this big comeback, but I can’t figure out the sound I want. I keep thinking I should go bigger, but then it doesn’t feel right." She looked out the window, her expression distant. "I feel like I’ve been stuck in this loop for weeks now. Everything sounds the same. I don’t know... maybe I’m just overthinking it."
Jhoanna, who was practically vibrating with excitement now that Maloi was opening up, took a step closer. "I get it," she said, almost too eagerly. "Sometimes I get writer’s block too. I mean, I’m not a songwriter, but when I’m working on a project and things aren’t coming together, I just... ugh, you know?"
Maloi gave a small laugh, but it was short-lived. "I feel like I’m running out of ideas. My fans are expecting something fresh, something that’ll blow them away. I don’t know if I can do it."
Jhoanna didn’t know what to say to that. What could she possibly say to help Maloi get over her creative slump? The pressure on Maloi must be enormous. But then a thought popped into Jhoanna’s head.
"Well, maybe you just need to take a break from it for a while. Step away and come back with fresh eyes," Jhoanna suggested, trying to sound wise beyond her years.
Maloi paused and considered it, the smallest hint of a smile creeping up on her face. "You know, that’s not a bad idea. Maybe I’ve been focusing too hard on it."
Jhoanna grinned. "You got this. I believe in you."
It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make Maloi’s shoulders relax a little, her posture less tense. Jhoanna had no idea if she was actually helping, but as she watched Maloi sip the rest of her matcha (now much less sweet than before), she felt a tiny spark of accomplishment. Maybe it wasn’t much, but she was starting to think this internship might just be more than running coffee matcha errands.
Jhoanna felt a rush of satisfaction as she watched Maloi lean back in her chair, her fingers drumming absently on the table. It wasn’t much, but it felt like a small victory to her. Maybe, just maybe, she was starting to make a difference. Not in a grand way, of course, but in a way that mattered for today.
"So..." Jhoanna began, trying to sound casual but still a little nervous. "Do you ever get, like, inspiration from... I dunno, something random? Like... a color, or a feeling?"
Maloi looked at her, a small furrow between her brows as she considered the question. "Hmm, interesting. Yeah, I think colors do help sometimes. I always think of yellow when I’m trying to write something that’s hopeful or energetic, you know? It reminds me of the feeling I want to give to my fans." She paused and smiled softly. "You know, like sunshine, warmth, optimism... stuff like that. Ngayon kasi sinusubukan kong magsulat ng masayang kanta. Masyado silang nasaktan nung last eh.”
Jhoanna’s heart skipped a beat. Yellow. The color that had become synonymous with Maloi herself. Jhoanna had always seen it in her music videos, in her outfits, even her album covers—yellow had been Maloi’s trademark for as long as she could remember. It was like the color had to be in everything Maloi did.
"That’s so... cool," Jhoanna said, nearly choking on her own excitement. "I never thought about it that way. Like, the color itself brings out the mood of a song." She nodded enthusiastically. "I guess that's why everything you do feels so... sunny. You know? Like, it makes people feel good. I mean, I feel good whenever I hear your songs. They’re, like, a burst of energy! Pero naiyak talaga ako sa huli mong single, kahit hindi pa ako nagkaka-jowa. Hala, sorry, scratch. Ang daldal ko."
Walanghiya ka, Jhoanna, masyado kang feeling close. Mukha pa namang sensitive matter ‘yung huli niyang kanta.
Maloi blinked, taken aback for a moment. She seemed almost surprised by the genuine warmth in Jhoanna’s voice. Her gaze softened as she stared at the intern, who had gone from awkward fangirl to eager, thoughtful assistant in the span of a few hours.
"Wow, you really mean that?" Maloi asked, her voice quieter now.
Jhoanna nodded vigorously. "Of course! I mean, who doesn’t? You’re, like, a superstar. You’ve been part of our lives for, like, forever."
The mention of "forever" seemed to make Maloi smile a little brighter, though there was still a hint of doubt in her expression. "I guess... it’s just hard, you know? With this comeback. It’s supposed to be bigger than anything I’ve done before. The pressure feels... a lot sometimes."
Jhoanna immediately perked up. "But you can do it! I know you can! I mean, if your fans love you this much already, at alam kong sobrang talented mo naman talaga, a little pressure isn’t going to stop you."
Maloi’s eyes sparkled, though she still looked uncertain. "Yeah, but what if I mess it up? What if it’s not enough?"
Jhoanna felt her heart go out to her. Maloi—Maloi Ricalde—the star who had made millions of fans believe in themselves, was afraid of letting people down?
Before she could think too much about it, Jhoanna blurted out, “Well, you’re like a ray of sunshine, right? And sunshine always finds a way to break through the clouds. So even if you’re feeling stuck, you’ll find your way through it. It’s just part of the process. You’re gonna come up with something amazing.”
Maloi’s expression softened. She sat up straighter, seemingly encouraged by Jhoanna’s words. "That’s actually a really good way of putting it," she said, tapping her fingers on the desk. "I’ve been too focused on trying to make it perfect. I should just... let it happen. Maybe I need to get out of my own head for a bit."
Gwen, who had been quietly listening from the corner, raised her eyebrows with an impressed grin. "Okay, looks like we have a breakthrough," she said, chuckling lightly. "Good job, Jho. Maybe we should’ve accepted your application and assigned you to Maloi sooner."
Jhoanna flushed, thrilled by the compliment. "I’m just happy I could help."
"Well, it’s not over yet," Colet chimed in, standing up from her desk. "Maloi’s got a lot of work ahead of her. But you’re right, Gwen. Let’s see how she does when we move on to the next part of the day."
Jhoanna looked between the three women, still trying to wrap her head around what had just happened. Had she really just helped Maloi Ricalde break out of her creative block? Me? She almost had to pinch herself to believe it.
"So... what’s next?" Jhoanna asked, trying to sound casual but probably failing spectacularly.
Maloi gave her a grin, her mood clearly lifted. "Well, I think I’m ready to try something new. Maybe we can bounce some ideas around? I’ve got this melody stuck in my head, but I don’t know how to finish it. You think you can help me shape it?"
Jhoanna practically screamed internally. Me? Help Maloi write a song? She tried not to let her excitement overwhelm her as she nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! I’d love to help! I mean, I’d be honored to help! Whatever you need, just tell me."
Maloi chuckled softly. "You really are a bundle of energy, huh?"
"Well, yeah, I mean," Jhoanna said, trying to keep her voice steady, "I’ve always been a big fan. And now... I get to help with this? This is literally my dream job."
Maloi smiled at her, her eyes twinkling with a newfound appreciation. "I think you’re going to be a good fit here. Not just for the errands, but for... everything else too."
Jhoanna couldn’t stop herself from smiling at that. She was still on cloud nine from everything that had happened in the past few hours. But it wasn’t just about being with Maloi; it was about being part of something bigger. Something she had worked so hard to get to, and something that was finally, finally coming true.
And just like that, the two of them began to talk, bounce ideas, and slowly start working through the challenge of building a comeback song. Maloi may have been going through a rough patch, but with Jhoanna by her side, she was beginning to find her way out of it.
Jhoanna couldn’t help but feel proud—proud that she was finally more than just a fan. She was part of something real, something alive. A connection, an opportunity, a journey. And who knew? Maybe it was only the beginning.
As the day went on, Jhoanna followed Maloi around like a shadow—taking notes, suggesting lyrics, offering up random ideas, and even helping her come up with potential concepts for the music video. The whole time, Maloi seemed to get more and more energized. It was as if the weight of her doubts had lifted just a little bit, and Jhoanna felt like she’d played a small part in it.
By the time they called it a day, Jhoanna was practically bursting with pride.
"You did great today," Maloi said as she stood to gather her things. "Thanks for sticking around and helping me out. I think I can actually finish this song now."
Jhoanna felt her chest swell with happiness. "Anytime, Maloi. Anytime."
The buzz in the air was palpable as Jhoanna stood backstage at Ayala Malls Circuit, feeling like her heart was about to beat right out of her chest. The stage was set, the crowd was growing louder by the minute, and Maloi—her ultimate idol, the queen of PPop—was about to perform live. Jhoanna’s hands fidgeted with the headset Colet had given her, the reality of it all finally sinking in. She was here, not just as a fan, but as part of the team, helping ensure the show went off without a hitch. And she could hardly believe it.
Stacey, her best friend and Colet’s intern, stood beside her, equally wide-eyed and awestruck. They’d been chatting excitedly in the wings, but now, as the lights dimmed and the music began to play, they fell silent, both drawn in by the magic of the moment.
“Are you seeing this?” Stacey whispered, still in shock.
“Yup, I am. And I’m dying right now,” Jhoanna muttered back, barely containing her fangirl energy. It wasn’t just the thrill of watching Maloi in action—it was the overwhelming feeling of being part of something huge. She had worked so hard to get here. The stars had finally aligned.
From backstage, Jhoanna watched as Maloi stepped onto the stage. She was wearing a dazzling, gold glitter jumpsuit that shimmered under the lights, like she was literally made of sunshine. The crowd went wild—screaming, cheering, waving their yellow banners. Jhoanna could barely breathe as she took it all in. Maloi was a living, breathing idol, radiating charm and confidence. She was effortlessly stunning, moving with the ease of someone who’d been born to perform.
"Good evening, Luckies and everyone!" Maloi’s voice rang out across the mall as she greeted her fans, and the crowd erupted into applause. "I’m so happy to be here with all of you today! Let’s make some memories!"
Jhoanna’s heart fluttered at the sound of Maloi’s voice. This is real. She wasn't just watching her idol from the sidelines anymore. She was part of this. She was helping Maloi make memories.
The show kicked off with Pantropiko, Maloi’s infectious summer anthem. The crowd immediately started dancing and singing along, their energy matching Maloi’s. The song was pure joy—a catchy tune with upbeat, feel-good vibes, and Jhoanna couldn’t help but bounce along with the crowd. She had always loved this song. Who wouldn’t? It was the kind of track that made you want to roll down the windows of your car, blast it on full volume, and pretend you were living your best life.
“Yesss! Pantropiko!” Jhoanna exclaimed, clapping along, while Stacey laughed beside her.
“It’s so perfect for this kind of show!” Stacey agreed, grinning. "You can tell she’s having the time of her life up there."
"I’m having the time of my life just watching this," Jhoanna admitted, her eyes glued to Maloi on stage. “I’ve been listening to this song on repeat for weeks!”
And who could blame her? Maloi was giving it her all, her charisma lighting up the stage. The fans were hooked, shouting every word back at her. It was electric.
After the infectious energy of Pantropiko, Maloi shifted gears with Na Na Nandito Lang, a song that had a more serene, laid-back feel. The crowd swayed along to the mellow rhythm as the lights softened, bathing Maloi in a warm glow. The song was everything Jhoanna had always loved about Maloi’s music—sweet, heartfelt, and effortless. Maloi’s voice was soft, smooth, wrapping around the lyrics like a warm embrace. It was the kind of song you listened to when you wanted to feel safe, like someone was there to comfort you.
Jhoanna couldn’t stop smiling. This was what Maloi did best—she made you feel like you were part of her world. Every lyric was personal. Every note felt like it was meant for you.
Stacey, now swaying along to the melody, nudged Jhoanna playfully. “How does she do that? She makes it look so easy.”
Jhoanna’s eyes never left Maloi. “I don’t know, but it’s like... she’s not just performing. She’s telling a story with every song. It’s like you’re living in her music with her.”
Stacey nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah, I can see that. It’s pretty amazing.”
But then came the song that had everyone talking.
As the first haunting chords of Number One Girl rang out, a hush fell over the crowd. It was an emotional shift—a far cry from the bubbly beats of Pantropiko and the calming serenade of Na Na Nandito Lang. Number One Girl was heavy, raw, and heartbreakingly beautiful. The song was an emotional reckoning—Maloi’s voice cracking just enough to make you feel the pain in her lyrics.
Tell me that I'm special
Tell me I look pretty
Tell me I'm a little angel
Sweetheart of your city
Say what I'm dying to hear
'Cause I'm dying to hear you
The crowd stood still, mesmerized by the intensity of it all. Jhoanna felt the weight of the song hit her, as if the lyrics had touched something deep inside her. She hadn’t expected this kind of shift from Maloi, but hearing it live made it real. This wasn’t just a song; it was Maloi’s truth.
Tell me I'm going real big places
Down to earth, so friendly
And even through all the phases
Tell me you accept me
Well, that's all I'm dying to hear
Yeah, I'm dying to hear you
Stacey was the first to speak. “Oh my God,” she whispered, her eyes wide. “This song is... so deep. It’s not just a breakup song, it’s... real. Mas masakit pala talaga siya live. It feels like she’s talking to someone.”
Jhoanna, who had also been swept up in the emotion of the song, nodded. “I think it’s about... Mikha,” she said, almost in a trance. The name slipped out before she could stop it. Mikha Lim. Maloi’s ex. The one who had taken a part of her heart and left it shattered. The rumors about their breakup two years ago had always been loud, messy, and full of speculation, but no one really knew the whole story. Maloi had kept her personal life tightly guarded.
Stacey looked at her with raised eyebrows. “Mikha? That song is definitely about her, isn’t it? You can just tell. It’s like... she’s telling the whole world what happened.”
Jhoanna’s throat tightened. “I think so. The lyrics, the way she’s singing it—it’s like she’s finally letting go. Like, it’s her way of saying goodbye to all of that.”
Stacey bit her lip, clearly trying to process what they were hearing. “I don’t know what happened between them, but... wow, if Mikha was the inspiration for this, I’m kinda heartbroken for Maloi.”
Jhoanna couldn’t help but agree. There was something so intimate about Number One Girl. The way Maloi poured her pain and vulnerability into every note felt like an invitation into a part of her no one had ever seen. The breakup hadn’t just been a public affair—it had shattered something inside of her.
As the song reached its crescendo, Jhoanna found herself caught between admiration and sadness. This wasn’t just a pop song; it was a chapter of Maloi’s life unfolding in front of her eyes. And for the first time, Jhoanna felt like she wasn’t just a fan watching from the sidelines. She was witnessing a personal moment.
Well, isn't it lonely?
I'd do anything to make you want me
I'd give it all up if you told me
That I'd be
The number one girl in your eyes
Your one and only
So what's it gon' take for you to want me
I'd give it all up if you told me
That I'd be
The number one girl in your eyes
When the song ended, the crowd was silent for a beat, then erupted into applause, though many were wiping away tears. Maloi stood at the center of the stage, taking in the response, a soft but weary smile on her face. She gave a small wave, her exhaustion evident, but there was also a sense of relief in her expression.
Jhoanna, still feeling the weight of the song, glanced at Stacey. “I think that’s the most powerful thing I’ve ever seen,” she whispered.
Stacey nodded, her voice low. “I can’t even imagine what she went through to write something like that. Number One Girl is... it’s something else. It’s raw. It’s real.”
Jhoanna looked back toward the stage, watching Maloi as she spoke to the crowd. “I think... she’s letting go of a lot more than just a relationship with that song,” Jhoanna murmured. “It’s like she’s letting go of all the things that held her back. And I think, for her, it’s the first step toward moving on.”
Stacey squeezed her arm gently. “You’re right. I think this is her healing process, and we’re just lucky enough to be here to witness it.”
As Maloi finished the set, waving one last time to the cheering crowd, Jhoanna couldn’t shake the feeling that she was a part of something bigger than herself. She wasn’t just an intern, and she wasn’t just a fan. She was part of this journey—a journey that had started with heartbreak but was moving toward something stronger. Something brighter.
And maybe, just maybe, Jhoanna could help her find that new light.